Magnetic resonance imaging findings often do not distinguish between people with and without low back pain (LBP). However, there are still a large number of people who undergo magnetic resonance imaging to help determine the etiology of their back pain. Texture analysis shows promise for the classification of tissues that look similar, and machine learning can minimize the number of comparisons. This study aimed to determine if texture features from lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging differ between people with and without LBP. In total, 14 participants with chronic LBP were matched for age, weight, and gender with 14 healthy volunteers.A custom texture analysis software was used to construct a gray-level cooccurrence matrix with one to four pixels offset in 0°direction for the disc and superior and inferior endplate regions. The Random Forests Algorithm was used to select the most promising classifiers. The linear mixed-effect model analysis was used to compare groups (pain vs. pain-free) at each level controlling for age. The Random Forest Algorithm recommended focusing on intervertebral discs and endplate zones at L4-5 and L5-S1. Differences were observed between groups for L5-S1 superior endplate contrast, homogeneity, and energy (p = .02). Differences were observed for L5-S1 disc contrast and homogeneity (p < .01), as well as for the inferior endplates contrast, homogeneity, and energy (p < .03). Magnetic resonance imaging textural features may have potential in identifying structures that may be the target of further investigations about the reasons for LBP.

Objectives: Self-efficacy is a strong health predictor as it affects patients' certainty about their ability to perform recommended behaviours to improve their health. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between perceived self-efficacy and oral health behaviours among adolescents. Methods:A convenience sample of adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old was recruited from the University of Alberta dental clinic. Demographics, oral health behaviours, self-rated oral health and task-specific and general self-efficacy were assessed using a questionnaire with three sections. For the comparisons of outcomes across different categories, Student t-test, multivariate regression and chi-squared tests were used.Results: A total of 252 adolescents with average (SD) age of 14 (1.7) years participated in the study; 60% were girls; 81% were born in Canada; 56% were White; and 61% had dental coverage. Demographic characteristics had no significant correlation with general self-efficacy. However, correlation coefficients indicated that younger adolescents had higher dietary self-efficacy (negative correlation), girls had higher toothbrushing and dental visit self-efficacy, and those with dental coverage had higher dental visit self-efficacy. A significant association was found between toothbrushing, dietary habits and dental visits self-efficacy (subscales of task-specific self-efficacy) and their respective outcomes (frequency of toothbrushing, sugar intake and regular dentist visits). General self-efficacy was significantly associated with frequency of toothbrushing and participant's self-rated oral health. Conclusion:Higher task-specific and general self-efficacy correlated with better oral health behaviours among adolescents. Therefore, behavioural interventions should be designed to enhance self-efficacy among adolescents in order to improve their oral health outcomes.

To examine the mediation effect of discrimination on the association of self-efficacy and oral health behaviours among adolescents. A cross sectional study of adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who were recruited from the University outpatient dental clinic were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of: demographics (12 items), oral health behaviours (7 items), general self-efficacy (10 items) and self-efficacy for self-care (SESS, 15 items). Perceived discrimination was assessed if the adolescent had ever been treated unfairly based on their race. Perceived discrimination was assessed if the adolescent had ever been treated unfairly based on their race. Using pathway analyses, the relationship between oral health behaviours, self-efficacy, and discrimination was explored. Mediation and hierarchal logistic regression analyses were conducted. Of 252 participants, mean (SD) age was 14 (1.8) years old. 60% were female, 81% were born in Canada, 56% identified themselves as White, and 20% perceived discrimination. Mean score of all task-specific self-efficacies were significantly different within respective oral health behaviour categories (P-value <0.001). Of demographics, age and ethnicity (White) were significantly associated with discrimination (OR = 1.25: 95% CI; 1.06–1.48 and OR = 0.29: 95% CI; 0.15–0.55, respectively). Perceived discrimination was positively associated with higher sugar consumption and mediate the association between diet self-efficacy and adolescent’s dietary behaviour. Significant mediation effect of perceived discrimination on the association of diet specific self-efficacy and diet oral health behaviour was observed. Oral health behaviours were self-reported which may have influenced the results.

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